If you have decided to join TheRx.com you have to register before you can become a member: Click the red colored register link to proceed. Follow the simple instructions. Registration applications can take from 1 to 24 hours to be completed by our software.

13) Today is Election Day; please go vote, if you already haven’t done so. Its our job as American citizens to go and make our voices heard- its one of the great parts of living in a democracy. Plus, sometimes they have bake sales at polling places so you can get fairly cheap cupcakes or donuts.

Go vote!!! (After you read the rest of this……)

12) There is a TV program on WeTV called “Love After Lockup”; it is described this way:

“Couples meet their potential future spouses for the first time once the bars are removed from the relationship.” In other words, once the future spouse gets out of jail.

What could possibly go wrong?

11) Friday night in the CFL, after Ottawa scored a TD to grab a 23-9 lead with 0:59 left in the 3rd quarter, an Ottawa offensive lineman went to the front row of the stands, grabbed a can of beer from a fan, and chugged the beer— during the game!!!!

When I saw the clip, I figured it was just before the end of the game, but it wasn’t. Yikes.

10) There is a dog walking app called WAG; you pay someone to walk your dog for you. They get the keys to your house, they walk little Scruffy around the block, you can follow their progress on the app, and everyone is happy.

In this day and age, if you think I’m giving the keys to my freakin’ house to some stranger who walks dogs for a living, then you’re bleepin’ goofy. There isn’t anything all that valuable here, but it is valuable to me. I’d get the dog a treadmill like George Jetson before I paid someone.

9) Sig Mejdal is a former NASA engineer and blackjack dealer who worked on the analytical team that helped the Houston Astros win the World Series LY; he’s let his contract with the Astros run out and will now look for another job.

NASA engineer and blackjack dealer? Sounds like an interesting guy.

8) I’m not a big Tom Cruise fan, but his best movie (in my opinion) by far is A Few Good Men, with Risky Business 2nd, and then probably Cocktail.

The scene where Jack Nicholson testifies in court: “You can’t handle the truth!!!!” is still one of my favorite movie scenes ever.

7) ESPN’s Mike Breen had a tremendous euphemism as he tried to gently rip the Washington Wizards in their loss Friday night: “…….just a lack of consistent intensity”

Oklahoma City had 110 points AFTER THE 3RD QUARTER; Wizards weren’t trying real hard, which is why they’re 2-7 this season.

6) Mark Jackson told a neat story during the Wolves-Warriors game Friday night; when he was coaching Golden State, Jackson brought college teammate Chris Mullen in to work with then-rookie Klay Thompson on footwork, how to use screens, stuff like that- it obviously helped.

When Thompson was playing at Washington State, you wouldn’t have figured him to be a star in the NBA, but he sure is now.

5) “Its not who starts, its who finishes.” Lot of basketball coaches say that to subs who might have their feelings hurt when they come off the bench instead of starting.

Actions speak louder than words; JJ Redick hasn’t started a game yet for the 76ers, but he is 4th on the team in minutes played, second on team in shots taken and scoring (18.4 ppg). And his $12,250,000 salary (#3 on team) speaks pretty loudly, too.

4) Arizona Cardinals cut QB Sam Bradford, who has earned roughly $129M in his football career, while accumulating a career record of 34-48-1. Arizona wound up paying him $13.5M and he only played three games for them. No bueno.

Bradford is better than any QB Buffalo has, but he’d last about 10 minutes behind that offensive line, thats 10 minutes of regular time, not game time.

Bradford had some success playing for Giants’ coach Pat Shurmur when Shurmur was OC up at Minnesota, so there are rumors Bradford could be heading to the Big Apple.

3) A big reason of why college basketball has changed so much in the last decade; freshmen played 81.2% of Kentucky’s minutes last year- freshmen played 67.5% of Duke’s minutes.

In the last four seasons, of the 20 freshmen Kentucky had, 12 of them stayed only one year. 11 of Duke’s last 19 freshmen have left school after one season.

If you’re good enough to start for Kentucky/Duke, you probably already have one eye on the NBA, so it becomes difficult to tell who is invested in playing college ball and who is counting the minutes until they can bolt college and go to the NBA Combine.

1) Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt hosted a 4-minute video last week urging all Americans to go vote on November 6th- it was a little odd seeing actors speak as themselves, we’re so used to seeing them play different roles.

Four tips and tactics to bet NCAA basketball betting odds like a sharp
Maddy Palmer

College basketball is back, putting one of the strangest betting options back on the board for sports bettors.

For the most part, the general public doesn’t start looking at NCAA hoops until January and even then, most don’t think about it until March Madness begins. That’s when everyone becomes an instant expert, with brackets and bets in hand.

College basketball is and will always be a market ruled by the sharps, but if you’re looking to jump into those shark-infested waters in November and December, here are some helpful tips and tactics to help you wager on college basketball like a wiseguy:

Tip No. 1: Narrow down your options

There are more than 350 Division 1 college programs taking the court this season, and there’s no way you can stay on top of them all. The best way to approach the season, especially in the first two months, is to focus on a few conferences you care about – whether that’s conference in your area or ones that house your Alma Mater. Slimming down your focus allows you to really dig into a select number of teams, and truly understand them on a game-to-game basis.

Tip No. 2: Size matters

Unlike college football, which only has 11 conferences and groupings, college basketball has 32 different conferences and leagues, from Power 5 groups like the ACC and Big Ten, to small mid-majors like the Northeast Conference and Patriot League.

Because there are so many teams, oddsmakers dedicate themselves to the big-name conference which draw the most betting action, leaving them exposed when it comes to small conference lines. That means that if you can become an expert in one of these mid-majors, you give yourself an advantage over the bookies. But keep in mind that some small conference games don’t get betting odds, so research your wagering options.

Tip No. 3: Take on totals

Ask any oddsmaker or bookie and they’ll tell you the one market they fear the most is college basketball totals. On top of setting spreads for more than 300 games a week, sportsbooks will offer totals on those contests as well. These numbers are often attacked by sharp bettors the second they hit the board and adjust quickly, so if you can jump on a steam move and get a good Over or Under number before it adjusts too far, you’re at least on the wise side of the total.

Tip No. 4: Find value in the futures

For the most part, the NCAA tournament futures odds look the same every season with perennial powerhouse programs like Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and North Carolina at the top of the board. And even as the season plays out, those odds stay relatively unchanged from week to week.

If you can spot a March Madness sleeper beyond those college basketball blue bloods, you’ll likely get a number of 10 to 1 or higher and set yourself up for a solid pay day once the tournament kicks off in mid-March.

TOWSON ST (18 - 14) at VIRGINIA (31 - 3) - 11/6/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TOWSON ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TOWSON ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) in a home game where the total is 130 to 134.5 since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 48-28 ATS (+17.2 Units) in November games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

WI-MILWAUKEE (16 - 17) at BOSTON COLLEGE (19 - 16) - 11/6/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 164-128 ATS (+23.2 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 156-122 ATS (+21.8 Units) in road games since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 156-122 ATS (+21.8 Units) in road lined games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

DETROIT (8 - 24) at W MICHIGAN (17 - 15) - 11/6/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
W MICHIGAN is 1-0 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
W MICHIGAN is 1-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

PENNSYLVANIA (24 - 9) at GEORGE MASON (16 - 17) - 11/6/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENNSYLVANIA is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) in November games since 1997.
GEORGE MASON is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in a home game where the total is 145 to 149.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
GEORGE MASON is 1-0 against the spread versus PENNSYLVANIA over the last 3 seasons
GEORGE MASON is 1-0 straight up against PENNSYLVANIA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

INDIANA ST (13 - 18) at BALL ST (19 - 13) - 11/6/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BALL ST is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 106-143 ATS (-51.3 Units) in all home games since 1997.
BALL ST is 106-143 ATS (-51.3 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
BALL ST is 23-42 ATS (-23.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALL ST is 1-1 against the spread versus INDIANA ST over the last 3 seasons
BALL ST is 1-1 straight up against INDIANA ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

LASALLE (13 - 19) at TEMPLE (17 - 16) - 11/6/2018, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LASALLE is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LASALLE is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
TEMPLE is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in November games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEMPLE is 1-1 against the spread versus LASALLE over the last 3 seasons
TEMPLE is 1-1 straight up against LASALLE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

LOUISIANA TECH (17 - 16) at WICHITA ST (25 - 8) - 11/6/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WICHITA ST is 221-178 ATS (+25.2 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
WICHITA ST is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games in November games since 1997.
WICHITA ST is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

IUPUI (11 - 19) at XAVIER (29 - 6) - 11/6/2018, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
XAVIER is 353-295 ATS (+28.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
XAVIER is 353-295 ATS (+28.5 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
XAVIER is 266-220 ATS (+24.0 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
XAVIER is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in November games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

FLORIDA (21 - 13) at FLORIDA ST (23 - 12) - 11/6/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 46-26 ATS (+17.4 Units) in November games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 133-100 ATS (+23.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA ST is 2-0 against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA ST is 2-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

NEW MEXICO (19 - 15) at CS-NORTHRIDGE (6 - 24) - 11/6/2018, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CS-NORTHRIDGE is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CS-NORTHRIDGE is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CS-NORTHRIDGE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CS-NORTHRIDGE is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
CS-NORTHRIDGE is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CS-NORTHRIDGE is 4-19 ATS (-16.9 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1997.
CS-NORTHRIDGE is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW MEXICO is 1-0 against the spread versus CS-NORTHRIDGE over the last 3 seasons
NEW MEXICO is 1-0 straight up against CS-NORTHRIDGE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

UC-RIVERSIDE (9 - 22) at OREGON ST (16 - 16) - 11/6/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UC-RIVERSIDE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON ST is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games in November games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON ST is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

SAN FRANCISCO (22 - 17) at CAL DAVIS (22 - 11) - 11/6/2018, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 89-130 ATS (-54.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
CAL DAVIS is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 against the spread versus CAL DAVIS over the last 3 seasons
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 straight up against CAL DAVIS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

UC-SANTA BARBARA (23 - 9) at WYOMING (20 - 13) - 11/6/2018, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

W KENTUCKY (27 - 11) at WASHINGTON (21 - 13) - 11/6/2018, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W KENTUCKY is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 1-0 against the spread versus W KENTUCKY over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 1-0 straight up against W KENTUCKY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

BYU (24 - 11) at NEVADA (29 - 8) - 11/6/2018, 11:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BYU is 66-111 ATS (-56.1 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
NEVADA is 34-21 ATS (+10.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
NEVADA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in November games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MICHIGAN ST (30 - 5) vs. KANSAS (31 - 8) - 11/6/2018, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS is 1-0 against the spread versus MICHIGAN ST over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS is 1-0 straight up against MICHIGAN ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

SIENA (8 - 24) at PROVIDENCE (21 - 14) - 11/6/2018, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PROVIDENCE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PROVIDENCE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

RIDER (22 - 10) at UCF (19 - 13) - 11/6/2018, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UCF is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
UCF is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

UT-CHATTANOOGA (10 - 23) at CHARLOTTE (6 - 23) - 11/6/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 57-81 ATS (-32.1 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 1-0 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 1-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

FAIRFIELD (17 - 16) at PURDUE (30 - 7) - 11/6/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FAIRFIELD is 9-25 ATS (-18.5 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FAIRFIELD is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
FAIRFIELD is 22-38 ATS (-19.8 Units) in November games since 1997.
PURDUE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 64-43 ATS (+16.7 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points since 1997.
PURDUE is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PURDUE is 1-0 against the spread versus FAIRFIELD over the last 3 seasons
PURDUE is 1-0 straight up against FAIRFIELD over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

Head-to-Head Series History
WOFFORD is 1-0 against the spread versus N CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
WOFFORD is 1-0 straight up against N CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

MERCER (19 - 15) at UAB (20 - 13) - 11/6/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UAB is 32-15 ATS (+15.5 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1997.
UAB is 49-76 ATS (-34.6 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ORAL ROBERTS (11 - 21) at MISSOURI ST (18 - 15) - 11/6/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORAL ROBERTS is 98-131 ATS (-46.1 Units) in all games since 1997.
ORAL ROBERTS is 98-131 ATS (-46.1 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
ORAL ROBERTS is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1997.
MISSOURI ST is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORAL ROBERTS is 2-0 against the spread versus MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
MISSOURI ST is 1-1 straight up against ORAL ROBERTS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

SE MISSOURI ST (14 - 17) at SAINT LOUIS (17 - 16) - 11/6/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAINT LOUIS is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SAINT LOUIS is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAINT LOUIS is 1-0 against the spread versus SE MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
SAINT LOUIS is 1-0 straight up against SE MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

W ILLINOIS (12 - 16) at CREIGHTON (21 - 12) - 11/6/2018, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CREIGHTON is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) in November games since 1997.
CREIGHTON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ELON (14 - 18) at MANHATTAN (14 - 17) - 11/6/2018, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ELON is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

IUPU-FT WAYNE (18 - 15) at UCLA (21 - 12) - 11/6/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 71-44 ATS (+22.6 Units) as an underdog since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

UTAH ST (17 - 17) at MONTANA ST (13 - 19) - 11/6/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTANA ST is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH ST is 1-0 against the spread versus MONTANA ST over the last 3 seasons
UTAH ST is 1-0 straight up against MONTANA ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

IDAHO (22 - 9) at UC-IRVINE (18 - 17) - 11/6/2018, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UC-IRVINE is 1-0 against the spread versus IDAHO over the last 3 seasons
UC-IRVINE is 1-0 straight up against IDAHO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

PORTLAND ST (20 - 14) at OREGON (23 - 13) - 11/6/2018, 11:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND ST is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND ST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in a road game where the total is 155 to 159.5 since 1997.
PORTLAND ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in November games over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND ST is 11-0 ATS (+11.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND ST is 1-0 against the spread versus OREGON over the last 3 seasons
OREGON is 1-0 straight up against PORTLAND ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

Tuesday’s college hoop games— Not a lot of info to go on until teams play some games…….

Michigan State-Kansas split their last four meetings, all on neutral courts, with Jayhawks winning last one, 90-70 in 2nd round of 2017 NCAA’s. Spartans haven’t been to the Sweet 16 the last three years; they’re favored to win the Big 14, with three starters back from LY. Kansas won 95 games the last three years; they’ve got lot of new players, but lot of talent. Last three years, Big X schools are 18-13 vs spread (19-12 SU) when playing a Big 14 opponent.

Duke-Kentucky have met only twice in last decade, splitting the pair of early season games. Duke has five new starters, four of whom are supposed to be freshmen— talented kids, but who the hell knows? Blue Devils missed last three Final Fours. Kentucky took a trip to Bahamas in August, so they had 10 extra practices this summer; Wildcats do have three experienced starters, two of whom start. Last three years, SEC teams are 32-29 vs spread when playing an ACC opponent.

North Carolina is opening the season at Wofford, which is odd; Tar Heels were down 14 at home to Wofford with 13:28 left LY, but rallied to win 79-75, and Terriers shot just 7-22 from the arc. UNC has three starters back; they also got a couple of talented frosh who may be 1-and-done. Wofford has 8 of its top 9 scorers back from LY’s 21-13 team that played in the CIT; they’re a favorite in SoCon this year. Last three years, ACC teams are 19-15-2 vs spread when playing a SoCon squad, 1-2 when the game is on the SoCon team’s court.

Ball State-Indiana State split their last four meetings; Sycamores lost five of last seven trips to Muncie, splitting last four. ISU has had four straight losing seasons, but they add two transfers this year, from Butler/Iowa State, so that should help- they lost four OT games LY. Ball State won 61 games the last three years; they’ve got three starters back from LY. Cardinals shoot the 3’s well but need to be better defensively. Last three years, MVC teams are 13-8 vs spread when playing a MAC opponent.

Temple lost 87-83 at LaSalle LY, just their 2nd loss in last 13 series games; four of last five meetings were decided by 6 or fewer points. Owls have three starters back from LY for coach Dunphy’s last team (he is retiring); their top two scorers from LY are back. LaSalle has a new coach, a Villanova assistant; Explorers have decent guards but are weak up front- the new coach is a good recruiter, but that won’t help this year’s team. Last three years, AAC squads are 12-10-1 vs spread when playing an A-14 team.

Wichita State lost nine players from LY’s 25-8 team; they also lost two assistant coaches in the spring. Shockers are a very young team; it’ll take time for them to gel. Louisiana Tech has four starters back from LY’s 17-16 (7-11 in C-USA) team; Bulldogs they had lot of injuries LY, so lot of young kids got playing time, which should help this year, but they’ve got only one returning senior. Last two years, C-USA teams are 9-4 vs spread when playing an AAC opponent.

Cal State-Fullerton played two Pac-12 teams LY, losing to USC/Cal by 6-42 points; they went on to win Big West tourney and make NCAA’s, but Titans are guard-heavy- they lost their NCAA game to Purdue by 26. Fullerton has four starters back but brought in new guys to help out up front. Arizona State was last D-I team in country to lose LY, then went 8-12 in their last 20 games; ASU lost three starters but bring in talented newcomers. Last three years, Pac-12 teams are 25-24-1 vs spread when playing a Big West squad.

Auburn has couple senior guards who helped Tigers reach NCAA’s LY for first time since ’03; Purifoy is suspended for first nine games of season. Auburn has depth now and much higher expectations this year. South Alabama has a new coach and four starters back from LY; Nicholls State played fast under this coach the last two years- will the Jaguars? USA has a decent roster- they’ve got three transfers sitting out for next year, too. Last three years, SEC teams are 15-9 vs spread when playing a Sun Belt team.

Florida State beat Florida the last four years, beating Gators by 2-5 points in their last two visits here- four of last five series games were decided by 5 or fewer points. Seminoles have three starters back from a 23-12, Elite 8 team; they return 75% of their scoring, 76% of rebounding from LY. Florida made NCAA’s last two years, still has experience; they’ll need to defend better this year. Last three years, SEC teams are 32-29 vs spread when playing an ACC opponent.

San Francisco made 10-22 on arc, shot 55% inside arc and beat Cal-Davis 74-61 at home LY. Dons won 42 games the last two years; they’ve got three starters back from LY’s team that lost the CIT title game. USF is picked #4 in WCC this winter. Cal-Davis has a 5-9 senior PG who led the Aggies to the Big West regular season title. Davis’ backcourt is their strength. Last three years, Big West teams are 30-26 vs spread when playing WCC foes.

New Mexico won 105-89 at Cal-Northridge in a Wooden Classic game two years ago; both teams have new coaches since then. Lobos lost star transfer Lyle to injury; they lost four starters from LY’s 19-15 team that was 12-6 in MW. Jackson is a transfer G from UConn who they need to be good. CSUN won only 36 games the last four years; Gottfried is a good coach, but players win games and the Matadors don’t have enough good ones yet. Last three years, Mountain West teams are 15-12-1 vs spread when facing a Big West team.

Washington hammered Western Kentucky 86-47 in Vegas two years ago. WKU won 27 games LY, lost in NIT semis; they’ve got six players back with decent experience, and Stansbury is recruiting above his grade level. Hilltoppers also have transfers eligible from Auburn/Austin Peay. Washington plays a 2-3 zone like Syracuse which can be tricky to beat early in season; Huskies have their top eight players back from LY- they brought in a freshman, pass-first PG who figures to free up the other guards to score more.

Nevada is ranked in top 10 this year, which adds pressure; Wolf Pack beat two WCC teams LY, winning by 30-13 points. Nevada is 81-29 under Musselman; they’ve got three starters back from LY’s Sweet 16 team, plus talented newcomers. BYU has four starters back from a 24-11 team, but their leading scorer from LY bolted school early. Still, 7 of their top 8 scorers are back from LY. Cougars won 22+ games each of the last five years. Last three years, Mountain West teams are 22-18 vs spread when playing a WCC opponent.

Kentucky and Duke square off to start the season, so they can settle who the No. 1 team should be going forward on the floor. As for the preseason stance, here is our Top 25.

While they open in Indianapolis as the nightcap of a doubleheader featuring Kansas and Michigan State, every team in the country wants to end up in Minneapolis when all is said and done.

The following is a list of the top candidates to do so, complete with early line movement courtesy of futures odds via the Las Vegas Westgate SuperBook.

In forecasting March Madness, you have to adjust for a little crazy. Where’s the wacky coming from? Who will follow Sister Jean’s act into prominence? How’s her beloved school looking? I’ll list my Final Four at the bottom but have given myself a requirement to select two favorites, one longshot and one super longshot. I reserve the right to change my mind once games are played, but the fun in November college basketball is seeing where teams if teams pick up where they left off.

Favorites (Odds to win title)

Duke (4/1): The Blue Devils were at 9-to-2 to win it all last week and will probably catch a better return somewhere along the line. Maybe they'll have a slight skid come ACC play. Still, this is the preferred choice. The task to pick a favorite freshman will be a daunting one. R.J. Barrett is the most talented, Zion Williamson has the Shawn Kemp-type appeal and Cam Reddish may be the most fun to watch. They're all delightful. This is your national champion.
Gonzaga (10/1): The odds are juicier than the 7-to-1 they were at a few weeks ago since power forward Killian Tillie will miss two months with a stress fracture in his foot. As long as he's around to help Rui Hachimura come February and March, the Zags will be a threat to win it all. Consider North Dakota grad transfer Geno Crandall the x-factor. He's got some special to him and can really take some of the pressure off backcout mate Josh Perkins.
Kansas (6/1): The Jayhawks were at 8-to-1 before the AP poll came out and voters placed the No. 1 tag on them, but they've got a lot of moving parts and probably shouldn't have been burdened with the top ranking. The Lawson twins come over from Memphis, star freshmen make up the backcourt. Stud wing LaGerald Vick and 7-footer Udonna Azubuike are shooting to impress NBA scouts while showing the others the ropes. If everything clicks, they can be tremendous.
Kentucky (7/1): Five 'Cats from last year's group are currently on NBA rosters, but with Stanford transfer Reid Travis joining P.J. Washington and Nick Richards up front, John Calipari's squad should be fiercely physical. Quade Green hopes to show significant improvement, while freshmen Keldon Johnson, Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickley and Tyler Herro can all fill in as impressive glue guys. Hagans will alter big games with his defense.
Nevada (12/1): Eric Musselman returns the bulk of last year's group, led by the Martin twins and wing Jordan Caroline. The Wolf Pack added Old Dominion transfer Trey Porter and Top-20 recruit Jordan Brown, both 6-foot-11, to bring an element they lacked last year, so don't write this team off as some flash-in-the-pan mid-major. They're going to be loaded.
North Carolina (8/1): It feels like Luke Maye has been at UNC forever and he'll have Pitt transfer Cameron Johnson around in addition to senior Kenny Williams to offer veteran help, so this group will be tough to beat. Roy Williams brought in a pair of potentially special freshmen in blur of a point guard Coby White and athletic wing Nassir Little, so there will be significant depth.

Longshots (Odds to win title)

Auburn (40/1): We'll finally get to see 7-footer Austin Wiley play, but it won't be right away. He's out with a foot injury and may be brought along slowly. Forward Danjel Purifoy also had to sit last season and will be sidelined for the first nine games, but adding two fantastic frontcourt pieces to the group Bruce Pearl led to 26 wins last season will make for a formidable group.
Indiana (30/1): The Hoosiers went from 200-to-1 to 40-to-1 and are now down even further due to all the talent Archie Miller has assembled on the roster. Freshman forward Romeo Langford has the best shot at becoming a household name and should be a one-and-done. It remains to be seen whether fellow freshman Robert Phenisee eventually takes over the point full-time but will start out sharing time with junior Devonte Green.
Kansas State (40/1): Bruce Weber got the Wildcats to the Elite Eight last March and returns all five starters, so rivalry games against KU will be must-see TV this season. Dean Wade, who wasn't part of the tourney run due to injury, puts the Wildcats over the top. This is a legitmate Top 10 team.
Michigan (30/1): After head coach John Beilein got heavily involved in the Pistons' hiring process, things could have looked a lot different than they do today. Versatile bigs Mo Wagner and Duncan Robinson are on NBA rosters, so there's more change on the way. Charles Matthews will have to improve on free-throws or he'll cost the Wolverines games in Big Ten play.
Michigan State (30/1): The Spartans lost Miles Bridges and Jaren Jackson, Jr. to the pros but will remain formidable so long as Cassius Winston is at the controls. He'll have freshman Michigan Mr. Basketball Foster Loyer to mentor and play alongside, while Nick Ward will get the bulk of the touches inside.
Oregon (20/1): Bol Bol looks like a beast, which is why the Ducks could win it all despite being relatively young. Dana Altman was fortunate to land Corpus Christi transfer Ehab Amin and Georgetown import Paul White to help add experience in the mix. Point guard Payton Pritchard will be the proverbial straw that stirs the drink and should flourish at a brisk pace. He's a winner.
Purdue (50/1): Top scorer Carsen Edwards returns, but the majority of last year's loaded group has graduated from the program. Edwards should lead the Big Ten in scoring as a result but needs to get help from Dartmouth transfer Evan Boudreaux and 7-foot-3 Matt Haarms up front to keep defenses from keying solely on him.
Syracuse (40/1): The Orange have moved from 50-to-1 and return last season's entire starting lineup thanks to Tyus Battle's last-minute decision to return for his junior year in order to improve his draft stock. The determined wing could make himself some bucks by improving his jumper and taking 'Cuse on a run deep into March.
Tennessee (25/1): With Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield leading the way, Rick Barnes has grown men in positions of power, which could swing the SEC his way and out of the grasp of usual suspects Kentucky and Florida.
Villanova (30/1): The top four Wildcats gone from last year's great group are already in the rotation of four separate NBA teams, so Jay Wright's team will be nowhere near as talented this season. The cupboard isn't entirely bare with Eric Paschall and Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree back up front and Phil Booth set to lead the team's backcourt efforts alongside Albany transfer Joe Cremo. Freshman Jahvon Quinerly will be the x-factor and could ultimately determine this team's ceiling.
Virginia (20/1): How does one overcome becoming the first No. 1 seed to lose to a 16 in the NCAA Tournament? We're about to find out. The loss of Deandre Hunter to a broken hand contributed to UVa's demise at the hands of UMBC, but he'll be back on the wing alongside guards Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome. Expect a bounce-back season.
West Virginia (30/1): Although the loss of Jevon Carter and Daxter Miles, Jr. hurts, wings James Bolden and Esa Ahmad have the opportunity to step up. It's on whoever is playing point to defend the way Carter did and establish an identity night after night. That's easier written than done.

Super Longshots (Odds to win title)
Florida (100/1): Mike White has topped 20 wins in each of his three seasons leading the Gators and has seniors Jalen Hudson, Kevaughn Allen and Kevarrius Hayes to lead the way. Canadian freshman x-factor Andrew Nembhard will step right into the starting lineup and could produce immediately.
Florida State (60/1): Although they'll have to overcome Leonard Hamilton's often brutal in-game coaching, the 'Noles return a number of key cogs from last year's Elite Eight squad. 7-foot-4 Christ Koumadje could be a game-changer come this year's Big Dance, forming an excellent veteran frontcourt alongside seniors Terance Mann and Phil Cofer.
Loyola-Chicago (300/1): How can the Ramblers follow up a 32-win season and Final Four trip? Winning the Horizon League seems like the most realistic expectations given the departure of a few key regulars, but head coach Porter Moser returns point guard Clayton Custer and big man Cameron Krutwig, so they may not take too large a step backward.
Mississippi State (100/1): Ben Howland's Bulldogs have four starters back and will be paced by junior point guard Lamar Peters, the Weatherspoon brothers and senior big man Aric Holman.
Texas Tech (60/1): Head coach Chris Beard simply finds ways to win, but he's got a massive undertaking ahead of him in attempting to replace Keenan Evans, Zhaire Smith and Zach Smith. Transfers Tariq Owens (St. John's) and Matt Mooney (South Dakota) will team with sophomore wing Jarrett Curlver and freshman guard Kyler Edwards to try to keep the success going in Lubbock.
Texas (80/1): Shaka Smart couldn't win big with the likes of Mo Bamba and couldn't feel worse about it. He's got versatile big man Dylan Osetowski available to lead this year's group but will have to do the coaching job of his career to be a significan tourney threat come March.
UCLA (100/1): The Bruins opened at 30/1 but have taken a hit with forward Cody Riley sidelined three weeks after running into 7-foot freshman Moses Brown. We'll see if the backcourt of Jaylen Hands and Prince Ali can be effective without first-round pick Aaron Holiday leading the charge.
UCF (200/1): Head coach Johnny Dawkins has his son Aubrey in the mix after an injured shoulder ended his season prematurely last year. 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall is also back and will try to improve enough to land an NBA deal. He'll serve as the backbone of a UCF squad that should win the American.
USC (200/1): This is Bennie Boatwright's team, for better or worse. An ill-timed knee injury that required surgery is the lone reason he didn't leave for the pros, so Andy Enfield has to help Boatwright remain focused on making the best of a setback. The Trojans added a few key transfers to help the team become competitive.
Virginia Tech (60/1): Buzz Williams has a deep team at his disposal, but did lose a top scorer and go-to guy who must be replaced. Fortunately, the Hokies are deep and talented, which should assist them in pushing tempo and identifying the backbone for this group.
Wichita State (100/1): The Shockers were at 40-to-1 but had their odds adjusted and will likely struggle with Landry Shamet off playing for the 76ers and other key cogs done with their eligibility. Gregg Marshall doesn't lose often, so look for him to figure out the right way to play around transfer forward Markis McDuffie.

— Baylor – Mario Kegler (suspended) for six games for violation of team rules. Makai Mason (ankle) questionable for season-opener.

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Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Wrapping up Opening Night in college hoop

13) Kansas 92, Michigan State 87— Jayhawks led this game the whole way, were up 50-36 at halftime, but Spartans fought back late and made the Kansas fans sweat.

Dick Vitale started his 40th season on ESPN with this game; he surprised me by saying that he thinks college basketball season starts too early, and shouldn’t begin until after Thanksgiving Day. Don’t think I agree with that; after Thanksgiving would be too late.

I liked the early season basketball marathon ESPN used to run for 24 hours, but they’ve done away with it now. That would’ve been early next week. Who needs sleep?

12) Duke 118, Kentucky 84— Blue Devils led this game 34-13 at one point, and then it got worse; impressive display by a very young Duke team- game was 59-42 at halftime, 85-52 with 12:22 left. Wildcats don’t get whacked like that very often.

11) Texas Southern 72, Baylor 69— When you pay an opponent to come to your gym and play, they’re not supposed to win. Last year, Texas Southern played its first 13 games on the road- their first home game was New Year’s Day. TSU started last year 0-13, lost by 31 at Baylor, but the Jonny Jones era gets off to an excellent start here.

10) Arizona State 102, Cal State-Fullerton 94 2OT— Titans made NCAAs LY but weren’t given a big chance here; Ahmad/Allman combined for 64 points, but no other Titan scored more than 11 points- they’ll need a third scorer to emerge.

ASU was only 26-44 on foul line; they took 18 more FT’s than Fullerton.

9) North Carolina 78, Wofford 67— This game was tied 46-all with 10:30 left, but reality set in down the stretch. Credit to Roy Williams for going to Wofford’s gym and playing a real road game— it’ll make the Tar Heels better. Wofford has to be encouraged by this game.

More teams need to have some guts and play some true road games.

8) Georgia State 74, East Tennessee State 68— Couple of solid mid-majors hooked up here; ETSU had 27 offensive rebounds, but were just 4-23 on arc, 17-27 on charity stripe. Four Georgia State starters played 35:00+, so not a lot of depth there.

7) Bills-Jets total this week is 36.5; it is the lowest NFL total since 2012.

5) Stony Brook 77, George Washington 74 OT— GW led this game 22-0 but lost; not exactly the best way to start your season. Stony Brook’s first points came 10:14 into the game; they were only 6-26 on arc, 17-27 on foul line, but they out-rebounded the Colonials 46-38, who were 16-34 on the foul line in at overtime loss.

4) Providence 77, Siena 67— Friars made 13-25 on arc, Saints 12-28 in relatively foul-free game; only 20 FT’s were tried in this game. Siena started a soph and two frosh in coach Christian’s Siena debut; they have to be somewhat encouraged by this game.

3) There are now 353 Division I basketball teams; Cal Baptist (WAC) and North Alabama (Atlantic Sun) are the two new teams this season.

2) Boston College 73, Milwaukee 53— BC was down 10 at the half in this game; they outscored the Panthers 46-16 in second half.

1) Louisiana Tech 71, Wichita State 58— Could be more of a rebuilding job than people thought for the Wheatshockers- they were a 10-point favorite here.

Wednesday’s college hoop games— Not a lot of info to go on until teams play some games…….

Cincinnati/Ohio State last met in 2012 Sweet 16; Bearcats lost three starters from LY’s 31-5 team that blew a 22-point 2nd half lead in a 2nd round NCAA loss to Nevada. Cincy is picked to win AAC again this year- they took a trip to Canada this summer, so had some extra practices. Ohio State lost three starters from a 25-9 team; they’re picked near middle of Big 14. Buckeyes are a much younger team this year. Last three years, AAC teams are 11-10 vs spread when playing a Big 14 opponent.

Home side won last three Marshall-Eastern Kentucky games; Thundering Herd lost 89-80 in their last visit here two years ago- they beat EKU by 20 LY, making 11-25 on arc. Marshall has four starters back from a 25-11 team that upset Wichita State in NCAA’s LY, before losing to West Virginia in 2nd round. Colonels lost three starters from an 11-20 team; they’ve got a new coach. EKU is picked near bottom of OVC. Last three years, OVC teams are 18-14-1 vs spread when playing a C-USA team.

Western Carolina lost four starters from LY’s 13-19 team, so now they’ve got a new coach, the son of former Wake Forest coach Skip Prosser. WCU is picked to finish near bottom of SoCon; they’ve got some shooters but lack overall talent. Wright State has four starters back from a 25-10 team that lost to Tennessee in NCAA’s. Raiders are expected to be deeper this season. Last three years, SoCon teams covered six of seven games against Horizon opponents.

CINCINNATI (AP) Ohio State knew what awaited when the Buckeyes agreed to help Cincinnati reopen its on-campus arena. It was even louder than expected until the closing seconds, when the Bearcats fans were silently filing out.

With a solid effort, the visitors from up north spoiled the party.

Kaleb Wesson scored 15 points, and C.J. Jackson hit a driving bank shot and a pair of free throws in the final 30 seconds Wednesday night as Ohio State held on for a 64-56 victory on the Bearcats' long-awaited night.

''I thought it would be a great environment,'' coach Chris Holtmann said. ''I don't know that I anticipated this environment - it was tremendous. I'm sure at times it was not always aesthetically pleasing, two defensive teams that struggled a little offensively.''

Cincinnati (0-1) played last season at Northern Kentucky University - losing only once - while its on-campus arena underwent a 20-month renovation. The Bearcats held a pregame celebration - former Bearcat star Kenyon Martin roused the crowd of 12,012 with a dunk - but couldn't make a shot when it counted.

The Buckeyes (1-0) were ahead for all but the opening minutes, leading by as many as 16 points. Jarron Cumberland led the Bearcats with 22 points.

''It hurts a lot,'' said Cumberland, who was 0 for 3 and failed to score as Ohio State took control in the first half. ''I don't like losing, period. It doesn't matter if it's the first game.''

Ohio State hadn't played in Cincinnati since Jan. 3, 1920, with the Buckeyes winning 35-13. The two schools located 110 miles apart had played only four times in the last 97 years, all in tournaments.

Ohio State went 25-9 in Holtmann's first season, an unexpected showing that won him Big Ten coach of the year honors. They started the new season with an encouraging victory for an inexperienced team.

''I want a bigger sample size before I make any proclamations, but we handled it pretty well,'' Holtmann said.

Cincinnati is trying to build upon its 31-5 season, which included the American Athletic title. The Bearcats' season ended with the second-biggest collapse in NCAA Tournament history, blowing a 22-point lead in the final 11 minutes of a 75-73 loss to Nevada in the second round as their offense froze.

The Bearcats were prone to long scoreless streaks last season. On Wednesday, they went more than 8 minutes between field goals as Ohio State pulled ahead 14-8. The Bearcats heard a few boos at the half after going 4 of 29 from the field with six turnovers and trailing 27-18.

Andre Wesson's 3-pointer completed an 11-2 spurt that pushed Ohio State's lead to 38-22. The Buckeyes also led by 16 points with 5:23 left.

Cumberland hit a pair of free throws, a jumper and a 3-pointer that cut it to 60-56 with 59 seconds left. The Bearcats missed their next two shots, and Jackson made a driving bank shot to end the comeback. He finished with 13 points.

''I know people don't want to hear this because you're going to ask me about offense, but Ohio State scored 27 in the first half and if we'd held them to 27 in the second half we would have won by two,'' coach Mick Cronin said. ''So we're capable of that.''

BIG PICTURE

Ohio State: The Buckeyes lost leaders Keita Bates-Diop and Jae'Sean Tate along with top 3-point shooter Kam Williams from last season. They need to develop scoring options beyond Jackson, but showed balance in the first game with four players in double figures.

Cincinnati: The front line is the Bearcats' biggest concern with Gary Clark and Kyle Washington gone. Starters Trevon Scott and Nysier Brooks combined for 15 points and 12 rebounds but had defensive breakdowns.

''I've got to do a better job with Tre and Nysier in particular,'' Cronin said. ''We're not near where we need to be on either end.''

SERIES HISTORY

The teams met twice in NCAA Tournament title games, with Cincinnati winning in 1961 and 1962. They'd met only twice since then, both times on neutral courts. Ohio State won 72-50 at the Wooden Tradition in Indianapolis in 2006, and 81-66 in an NCAA Tournament regional semifinal in Boston in 2012.

LEAVING COLUMBUS

The Buckeyes are 25-1 against Ohio teams since the 1995-96 season, the only loss 60-59 to Dayton in the 2014 NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes' last true road game against an Ohio team was an 89-86 loss at University of Dayton Arena on Dec. 16, 1986. Overall, Ohio State is 175-30 in Columbus against Ohio teams, 50-41 in road games and 8-8 at neutral sites.

Burks was 12 of 15 from the field for the Thundering Herd and Elmore was 9 of 13 from the free throw line. Freshman Taevion Kinsey scored 14 points off the bench and Jannson Williams chipped in 11 points with eight boards.

Marshall shot 50 percent from the field compared to 32.5 percent for Eastern Kentucky.

Elmore sank a layup seven minutes in to spark a 16-2 run, including 3-pointers by Burks and Darius George, and the Herd led 30-14 with 9:22 left the first half on their way to a 57-38 advantage at the break.

Marshall led by at least 20 points throughout the second half, cruising to the win.

Nick Mayo had 26 points and 15 rebounds for the Colonels. It was Eastern Kentucky's first game under new head coach A.W. Hamilton.

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) Bill Wampler scored 26 points and Loudon Love 17 as Wright State opened the basketball season with a wire-to-wire 96-73 win over Western Carolina Wednesday night.

The Raiders, who gained the NCAA Tournament last season, are preseason favorites to win the Horizon League, returning five of their top seven scorers. The 6-foot-9 Love, Horizon Freshman of the Year last season, made 7 of 9 from the field with seven rebounds in 20 minutes on the court. Wampler drained 5 of 9 3-point shots on the way to his 26 points in 25 minutes.

Skyelar Potter added 16 points with three 3-pointers. Wright State played everyone on the bench and held a 38-16 edge in points off the bench.

Carlos Dotson led the Catamounts with 17 points and six rebounds while Matt Halvorsen added 16 points and three assists, D.J. Myers 11 points and Kameron Gibson 10.

— Astros’ P Lance McCullers had Tommy John surgery, will miss all of 2019.

— Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon will enter 2019 as a lame duck; he didn’t get his contract extension. Guy won the World Series two years ago.

Quote of the Day
“I saw some kid on Duke last night who is pretty impressive. I probably can’t say anything more … I thought LeBron, I thought that was a one shot deal, but apparently the next guy’s coming. Before I get fined, I’m going to change the subject.”
Steve Kerr, talking about Duke’s Zion Williamson

Thursday’s quiz
Where did Steve Kerr play his college basketball?
(Hint: He played in a Final Four)

Wednesday’s quiz
Craig Morton started in Super Bowls for Dallas and the Denver Broncos.

Tuesday’s quiz
Craig Morton played QB for the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V, the first time they played in a Super Bowl.

***********************

Thursday’s List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud…….

13) So I’m voting Tuesday and this guy voting next to me had his daughter with him- she is maybe 6, 7 years old. As he is voting, the little girl says “Thats not who mommy voted for” and the guy says “Daddy isn’t going to vote for everyone Mommy voted for” and then the little girl and dad start arguing, with the little girl wanting mommy and daddy to agree on everything.

Quality entertainment. And for free.

12) Sunday was a rough day for Nevada sports books; every NFL team that the public supported covered the spread. A guy who is a 25-year veteran of working in Las Vegas said it was one of the 10 worst days Nevada sports books have ever had in sports wagering.

11) Times have changed; the Cowboys willingly wore blue jerseys at home Monday night. There was a time when Dallas went on the road, opposing teams would wear white at home, to force the Cowboys to wear the blue jerseys that they didn’t seem to like wearing.

10) New Mets’ GM Brodie Van Wagenen is making $10M for four years. He was the agent for the Mets’ two best players, Jacob deGrom and Yoenis Cespedes. He was also Tim Tebow’s agent; Tebow is expected to start next season at AAA Syracuse.

9) Lot of NBA teams have cameras over the baskets, which provide great replays of action around the rim; the funny thing is that they then put advertising on top of the backboards, so you see it when those replays are shown. Wonder how much they charge for that?

8) The NBA is more fun to watch now than it has been in a while; lot more passing, solid shooting. The success Golden State is having has influenced the game in a positive way.

7) Toronto Argonauts fired coach Marc Trestman after a 4-14 season, but his Argos won the Grey Cup LAST YEAR.

Trestman won two Grey Cups coaching Montreal from 2008-12, then went 13-19 in two years coaching the Chicago Bears. He later was an OC for the Baltimore Ravens, but was fired during the 2016 season. Mr Trestman could write a very interesting book.

6) Not that I’m bitter or anything, but I see DeAndre Ayton and Allonzo Trier playing major minutes in NBA games this fall, but when I picked Arizona in their first round NCAA game last March, they lost by 21 to a freakin’ MAC team. No bueno!!!! LOLOL

5) Miami, Florida, Florida State all went 0-2 the last two weekends.

That is the FIRST time that has EVER happened.

4) San Francisco Giants hired GM Farhan Zaidi as their new GM Tuesday.

For the past four years, Zaidi was GM of the rival Dodgers; before that, he was the assistant GM to Billy Beane with the A’s.

3) Jamal Murray scored 48 points for Denver Monday night; he took a shot late in the game, trying to get to 50, and the Celtics get all offended, like Murray isn’t supposed to try and put the ball in the basket. Thats what he gets paid for.

You don’t want him to score 50? Guard his bleepin’ ass, don’t let him get to 40!!! Don’t run your mouth after the game, move your feet during the game.

2) Guy at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City put $6 down on a 12-team parlay this weekend and he hit it, with Titans (+5) clinching his $9,600 payoff. Well done!!!

1) Chicago Blackhawks fired coach Joel Quenneville, who won three Stanley Cups in Chicago, the last one in 2015. He’s the second-winningest coach in NHL history with an all-time record of 890-532-214. Sounds like a guy who won’t be unemployed too long.

MOREHEAD ST (1 - 0) at CONNECTICUT (0 - 0) - 11/8/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MOREHEAD ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games in November games over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in November games over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

SIENA (0 - 1) at GEORGE WASHINGTON (0 - 1) - 11/8/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SIENA is 70-98 ATS (-37.8 Units) when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
SIENA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 23-37 ATS (-17.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 23-37 ATS (-17.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SIENA is 1-0 against the spread versus GEORGE WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 1-0 straight up against SIENA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

Thursday’s games— Not a lot of info to go on until teams play some games…….

Evansville has a new coach and four new starters (two transferred) after a 17-15 season; former NBA player Walter McCarty (an Evansville native) is the new coach. Purple Aces have six new players, will play faster, but doubtful they have enough guys this year. Illinois was 15-17 LY and purged six players who could’ve returned this year; Illini has eight new players (6 frosh); they’re younger, taller, more athletic, but they’re very young. Last three years, Big 14 teams are 7-6 vs spread when playing an MVC team.

Morehead State has all five starters back from an 8-21 team that went 4-14 in OVC; eight of their top nine scorers are back- Eagles whacked an NAIA team Tuesday, Morehead was 9th-worst team in country LY at protecting the ball. UConn has a new coach after a 14-18 season; they’ve got three starters back from team that finished out of top 100 last two years, after a couple decades of excellence- they won national title in 2014. Last three years, AAC teams are 3-3 vs spread when playing an OVC opponent.

George Washington lost its home opener in OT to Stony Brook, after leading game 22-0 at the start, 63-59 with 0:07 left in regulation; Colonials were 16-34 on foul line- they don’t play any seniors. Siena lost its opener 77-67 at Providence; Saints made 12-28 on arc, trailed 50-34 at halftime. Friars made 13-25 on arc. Siena lost last meeting here 77-75 two years ago, when both teams had different coaches. Last three years, MAAC teams are 17-14 vs spread when playing an A-14 opponent.

Evansville Purple Aces
Evansville is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Evansville is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Evansville's last 7 games
Evansville is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Evansville's last 10 games on the roadIllinois Fighting Illini
Illinois is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Illinois's last 6 games
Illinois is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Illinois's last 8 games at home

Morehead State Eagles
Morehead State is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games
Morehead State is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Morehead State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Morehead State's last 5 games on the roadConnecticut Huskies
Connecticut is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Connecticut is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Connecticut's last 9 games
Connecticut is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Connecticut is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Connecticut's last 5 games at home

Siena Saints
Siena is 4-10-1 ATS in its last 15 games
Siena is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Siena's last 9 games
Siena is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Siena is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Siena's last 5 games on the roadGeorge Washington Colonials
George Washington is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
George Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of George Washington's last 5 games
George Washington is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
George Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of George Washington's last 11 games at home

STORRS, Conn. (AP) UConn coach Dan Hurley is happy with the energy level of his Huskies, now he'd like to see them develop a killer instinct.

Hurley had a successful coaching debut at his new school Thursday as UConn broke open a close game, then held off a pesky Morehead State team for an 80-70 win.

Josh Carlton scored 17 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Jalen Adams scored 16 points and Alterique Gilbert added 15 for the Huskies, who led by just four points at halftime.

Lamontray Harris had 16 points and Malek Green 14 for Morehead State (1-1).

UConn never trailed. The Huskies led by as many as 13 in the first half and 16 in the second, but had to weather several Morehead State runs.

''We were playing with fire,'' Hurley said. ''We had a chance to kind of bury them a couple times and we let it hang around and be a 10 point game.''

The Eagles, who didn't start a player taller than 6-foot-4, had no answer for the 6-10 Carlton. The sophomore beat his previous career high in scoring by two points and also had two of the Huskies eight blocked shots.

''There's been a lot of hype around our guards, well deserved,'' Carlton said. ''But I just wanted to come around and let `em know we're a complete team. We've got threats at every position.''

For the sellout crowd (the first at Gampel Pavilion since March, 2016), this was a night to welcome a new leader after a disappointing 14-18 season that ended with the firing of coach Kevin Ollie amid allegations of NCAA violations.

The student section held up letters that spelled out ''Hello Hurley'' and cheered loudly as the coach made his way to the bench before the game.

The 45-year-old, who led Rhode Island to NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his last two seasons, remained on his feet the entire game, gesturing and yelling for the Huskies to push the ball or urging the crowd to stand up and cheer. He ran over to slap Carlton on the rear end after the big man dove into the stands for a loose ball in the second half.

The heightened energy level was on display from the opening tip when Adams dove to the floor to force a tie-up and a turnover as his coach applauded his approval.

''You just see how excited he is when we score the ball or when we get a stop, it just makes you want to play that much harder for him,'' Adams said.

BIG PICTURE

UConn: Hurley's new run-and-press style of play resulted in the Huskies forcing 17 turnovers and outscoring a much smaller Morehead State team 46-22 in the paint and 21-8 on the fast break. Last season, Hurley's Rhode Island team forced 536 turnovers, which ranked 13th nationally. But the Huskies also turned the ball over 13 times.

Morehead State: The Eagles shot 40 percent after making 53 percent of their shots in their season opening win against Kentucky Christian. They were outrebounded just 41-36 after pulling down 48 boards on Tuesday.

''Literally through the final horn we were chasing down offensive rebounds,'' said coach Preston Spradlin. ''With 20 seconds to go, Lamontray Harris is diving for loose balls and you're down eight or 10 at that point. That's the things as a coach you take away and you're very proud of.''

INJURY

UConn forward Isaiah Whaley went down in the first half with a sprained ankle. He tried to return a few minutes later, but was limping noticeably and was quickly subbed out again.

COMEBACK

Gilbert was impressive in coming back from shoulder injuries that limited him to just nine games in his first two seasons. In addition to his 15 points, he dished out four assists and had four rebounds while leading the break and playing more than 30 minutes.

''Just to have the opportunity to be back out there, I felt blessed,'' he said.

UP NEXT

UConn: The Huskies continue the preliminary rounds of the 2K Empire Classic by hosting UMKC on Sunday.

Morehead State: The Eagles visit Syracuse on Saturday, also as part of the 2K tournament.

**********************

Pickett has 19 to help Siena hold off George Washington
November 8, 2018
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WASHINGTON (AP) Jalen Pickett scored 19 points and Kevin Degnan added 15 as Siena held off George Washington to give coach Jamion Christian his first win, a 69-61 victory on Thursday night.

Picket nailed 4 of 9 from long range and added 5 of 6 from the free throw line while dishing out six assists. Degnan drilled 5 of 6 from deep and grabbed eight rebounds.

Siena (1-1) led 39-32 at the break. George Washington, which lost to Stony Brook 77-74 in overtime on Tuesday, stayed close throughout the second half and closed to 62-61 following an Arnaldo Toro tipin with 1:32 left. Degnan answered with his last trey of the night and Manny Camper added a layup for a 67-61 advantage in the final seconds.

''There were a lot of things to like tonight,'' said Illinois coach Brad Underwood. ''I was really pleased we had 22 assists. We are capable of that every night. This is a very athletic and unselfish team.''

Illinois was in charge from the opening tip, going on runs of 10-0, 13-0 and 16-1 to lead 53-22 at the break. The Aces turned the ball over 15 times in the first half, leading to 18 Illini points.

Illinois showed a lot of speed and athleticism, and seemingly wore out the Aces by the end of the game.

''We allowed them to get out into transitions a lot off turnovers, and they were very fast,'' McCarty said. ''Our turnovers allowed them to take advantage throughout the whole game, although I thought we were a bit more composed the second half.''

Underwood said his team purposefully slowed the pace in the second half. ''We did slow it down some, simply because of the score.''

Jordan, who was 5 of 8 from the 3-point line, gave credit to his teammates.

''They found me and I took the shots. I love these guys, and I love this team,'' he said. ''We really played fast tonight, faster than I've seen us play. We just grabbed rebounds and we were gone down the court.''

Illinois is 34-2 when starting the season at State Farm Center, including an active streak of 22 straight wins.

BIG PICTURE

Evansville: It was the first time the Aces have played Illinois but they are 15-35 against other Big Ten members.

Illinois: All eyes were on the young Illinois team as coach Brad Underwood starts his second season after going 14-18 overall and 4-14 in the Big Ten last year. Two players expected to make an impact this year, guard Alan Griffin and 7-foot center Samba Kane, didn't play Thursday. Griffin tweaked a knee in practice, while Kane violated an undetermined team rule and was held out. Underwood said both players will be available for the next game.

TURNING POINT

Jordan hit two 3-pointers and scored eight points in less than a minute, sparking a 13-0 run that put the Illini up 35-14 with 8:09 to play in the first half.

ALL TALK

Bezhanishvili, a crowd favorite originally from the country of Georgia before moving to Austria and eventually to New Jersey, was called for a technical foul in the second half, which mystified many since he'd seemingly done nothing wrong.

''Well, I was talking a little too much to the referee,'' he said, smiling broadly. ''I do talk a lot, you know. I should not do that I guess.''

Illinois scored 22 of its 53 first-half points in the paint, including a spectacular cross-court pass from Nichols to Bezhanishvili for a rim-rattling dunk with 30 seconds left in the half that brought the crowd to its feet.

Quote of the Day
“I don’t know what his plans are, but I would say that at this point, we expect him to come back next week. We know he’s back in Pittsburgh and so we’re hoping to have some communications with him over the weekend, and we’re kind of expecting he’ll be back next week.”
Steelers’ owner Art Rooney, talking about Le’Veon Bell

Friday’s quiz
Which two colleges did Russell Wilson play football for?

Thursday’s quiz
Steve Kerr played his college basketball at Arizona.
Wednesday’s quiz
Craig Morton started in Super Bowls for Dallas and the Denver Broncos.

**************************

Friday’s List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here…….

13) ESPN’s Mark Jackson is much better as an analyst in a 2-man booth than a 3-man booth; he tells some terrific stories when he has more airtime.

In 1986, Jackson led the nation in assists; one of his teammates (Walter Berry) won the Wooden Award, symbolic of the year’s best college player, so obviously St John’s must’ve had a damn good season (they went 31-5), but this was the year after Chris Mullin went to the NBA and apparently there were internal issues with the team.

In their fifth game of the year, St John’s was nursing a late lead and Jackson was dribbling so he would get fouled, make foul shots and preserve the lead, but Berry wanted the team to give the ball to him so he could score more, and from that point on, from the end of the fifth game to the 36th game, Berry and Jackson never spoke again that season. You just never know.

12) Monday night, Enes Kanter had 23 points, 24 rebounds off the bench for the Knicks, as well as seven assists. Kanter is the first NBA player since Charles Barkley in 1986 to have a 20-20 game, and also have 5+ assists, in a game he didn’t start.

11) In the Atlanta Hawks’ arena, you can get your haircut during the game. Not sure why you would pay major bucks to watch an NBA game, then spend even more money to not watch the game while they cut your hair. Then again, I don’t have much hair to cut.

10) Speaking of the Hawks, Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce was a college teammate of Steve Nash in his playing days at Santa Clara.

9) Kansas City Chiefs outscored opponents 93-20 on the first drive of each half; thats 18 drives for each team.

8) Miami Dolphins are only NFL team that hasn’t scored a point on their first drive of a game this season: nine drives, 42 plays, 198 yards, no points. No bueno.

Jets kicked only one FG on their first drive of a game, but they also gave up a defensive TD, so they’ve actually been outscored 7-3 on their game-opening drives.

7) Minnesota Vikings are playing better recently; in their last three games, the Vikings scored TD’s on their first drive of the game, going 68-91-65 yards for those TD’s.

6) Rich Gannon was working the Charger-Seahawk game Sunday; Sebastian Janikowski was kicking for Seattle. Way back in 2000, Janikowski’s rookie year in Oakland, Gannon was the first holder Janikowski had during preseason, but Gannon said he was so bad at holding, they told him to forget about it and make punter Shane Lechler the holder.

5) Boise State is a home underdog to Fresno State tonight, first time the Broncos have been a underdog on the Blue Turf since 1999.

4) Pittsburgh Steelers are only team in NFL with only one divisional game left. Everyone plays a divisional game in Week 17.

3) Last time Alabama had a Senatorial election, Nick Saban got 19,000 write-in votes. If he ever somehow got elected, Saban would have to decline; quite a pay cut from the $8M a year Saban makes now to the $175,000 or however much a senator makes.

2) How would you like to be the person who ran for assembly in Nevada, and lost to a dead guy?

72-year old Dennis Hof owned a brothel that was featured on the HBO show Cathouse; he passed away October 16, but he still won an election Tuesday in Nevada’s 36th Assembly District against Democratic educator Lesia Romanov.

1) Le’Veon Bell posted a couple of Tweets this week with the text upside down; not sure how or why he did that, but it does look pretty cool.

If Bell doesn’t report to the Steelers by 4:00 Tuesday, he can’t play this year, so he won’t make any of his $14.55M salary and he defeats the purpose of his holdout. Hopefully he is getting good advice, but that doesn’t seem too likely, unless he just doesn’t want to play anymore

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------DREXEL (0 - 0) at E MICHIGAN (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 11:00 AM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA ST is 1-0 against the spread versus WI-GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA ST is 1-0 straight up against WI-GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

ARKANSAS (0 - 0) vs. TEXAS (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARKANSAS is 1-0 against the spread versus TEXAS over the last 3 seasons
ARKANSAS is 1-0 straight up against TEXAS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

DARTMOUTH (1 - 0) at DAVIDSON (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DAVIDSON is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 110-80 ATS (+22.0 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 159-124 ATS (+22.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
DARTMOUTH is 15-2 ATS (+12.8 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

NORTHEASTERN (0 - 1) at HARVARD (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HARVARD is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
HARVARD is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
HARVARD is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
HARVARD is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HARVARD is 1-1 against the spread versus NORTHEASTERN over the last 3 seasons
HARVARD is 1-1 straight up against NORTHEASTERN over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

MISSOURI (1 - 0) at IOWA ST (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IOWA ST is 254-200 ATS (+34.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MISSOURI is 1-0 against the spread versus IOWA ST over the last 3 seasons
MISSOURI is 1-0 straight up against IOWA ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

N CAROLINA (1 - 0) at ELON (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 310-252 ATS (+32.8 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 175-138 ATS (+23.2 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 175-137 ATS (+24.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
ELON is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

STANFORD (1 - 0) at UNC-WILMINGTON (0 - 1) - 11/9/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

TOLEDO (0 - 0) at OAKLAND (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
OAKLAND is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TOLEDO is 1-0 against the spread versus OAKLAND over the last 3 seasons
TOLEDO is 1-0 straight up against OAKLAND over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

JAMES MADISON (1 - 0) at E CAROLINA (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 7:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JAMES MADISON is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in November games over the last 3 seasons.
JAMES MADISON is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
JAMES MADISON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
JAMES MADISON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

N KENTUCKY (1 - 0) at N ILLINOIS (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N ILLINOIS is 60-39 ATS (+17.1 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
N KENTUCKY is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
N KENTUCKY is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
N KENTUCKY is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
N KENTUCKY is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
N ILLINOIS is 17-34 ATS (-20.4 Units) in home games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

RICE (1 - 0) at PENNSYLVANIA (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENNSYLVANIA is 98-136 ATS (-51.6 Units) in all home games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 98-136 ATS (-51.6 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 35-54 ATS (-24.4 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

AIR FORCE (1 - 0) at TEXAS ST (0 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AIR FORCE is 85-59 ATS (+20.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
TEXAS ST is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS ST is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
AIR FORCE is 1-0 against the spread versus TEXAS ST over the last 3 seasons
AIR FORCE is 1-0 straight up against TEXAS ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

UC-IRVINE (1 - 0) at TEXAS A&M (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UC-IRVINE is 24-41 ATS (-21.1 Units) in road games in November games since 1997.
UC-IRVINE is 39-59 ATS (-25.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
TEXAS A&M is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

PACIFIC (1 - 0) at NEVADA (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PACIFIC is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
NEVADA is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NEVADA is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NEVADA is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
NEVADA is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in November games over the last 2 seasons.
NEVADA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
NEVADA is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEVADA is 2-0 against the spread versus PACIFIC over the last 3 seasons
NEVADA is 2-0 straight up against PACIFIC over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

SAN DIEGO (1 - 0) at CAL DAVIS (0 - 1) - 11/9/2018, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAL DAVIS is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CAL DAVIS is 5-20 ATS (-17.0 Units) on Friday nights since 1997.
CAL DAVIS is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

LONG BEACH ST (0 - 0) at UCLA (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 11:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UCLA is 1-0 against the spread versus LONG BEACH ST over the last 3 seasons
UCLA is 1-0 straight up against LONG BEACH ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

JACKSONVILLE ST (0 - 0) at SAMFORD (1 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
JACKSONVILLE ST is 2-0 against the spread versus SAMFORD over the last 3 seasons
SAMFORD is 1-1 straight up against JACKSONVILLE ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

GEORGIA ST (1 - 0) at MONTANA (0 - 0) - 11/9/2018, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTANA is 1-0 against the spread versus GEORGIA ST over the last 3 seasons
GEORGIA ST is 1-0 straight up against MONTANA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

Friday’s games— Not a lot of info to go on until teams play some games…….

Green Bay lost 85-63 at Indiana State LY, in game that was tied at half. Sycamores shot 56% inside the arc that nite. Green Bay starts four juniors, one senior, with two starters back from LY’s 13-20 team- they’ve got four JC transfers and a transfer from Marquette- they’re deeper now and they like to play fast. Indiana State starts three seniors, but lost 86-69 at Ball State in its opener; Sycamores have two transfers who aren’t eligible to play until December, so they’re little shorthanded right now.

Arkansas lost 79.6% of its scoring, 64.7% of its rebounding from LY’s 23-12 team that made the NCAAs; they’ve got only three returning scholarship players, so it’ll take time, especially since Hogs usually press a lot and play lot of guys. Razorbacks beat Texas 77-74 in last meeting two years ago. Texas has four starters back from a 19-15 team that made the NCAA’s; Longhorns are only 50-50 in three years under Smart, have strong freshman class- Texas needs to shoot better than it did LY. This game is at Fort Bliss, a neutral site.

Home side won last four Northeastern-Harvard games; Huskies lost last two visits here, by 14-6 points. Harvard has all five starters back, plus the 6th man from LY’s regular season Ivy champs, but they lost in Ivy tournament. Crimson struggled with D-3 MIT in its opener, winning 78-66. Northeastern lost its home opener by 3 to Boston U; Huskies led by 12 with 12:43 left- they start three juniors, two seniors, have all five starters back from a 23-10 team that lost CAA title game. Last three years, Ivy teams are 7-5 vs spread when facing a CAA opponent.

Missouri never trailed and beat Iowa State 74-59 at home in LY’s opener; Mizzou has three starters back from 20-13 that lost to Florida St by 13 in NCAA’s LY. Tigers won opener by 13 over Central Arkansas- they start a freshman, two sophs, and played only eight guys Tuesday. Iowa State was 13-18 LY, after winning 100 games the previous four years. Cyclones are deeper than LY; they beat Alabama State 79-53 in their opener, playing eight guys 14+ minutes. Last three years, SEC teams are 23-18-1 vs spread when playing a Big X opponent.

Long road trip for Stanford, which visits Chapel Hill Monday; Cardinal made 11-15 on arc in its opener, a 96-75 home win over Seattle. Cardinal lost three starters from LY’s 19-16 team- their star Travis bolted to Kentucky as a grad transfer, which leaves Stanford with questions inside. NC-Wilmington area was ravaged by flooding this fall; Seahawks lost their opener 97-93 in OT at Campbell, despite making 15-29 on arc. UNCW went 11-21 LY after winning 54 games the previous two years; they’re picked to finish in middle of CAA this season.

Buffalo beat St Francis 82-67 in its opener, despite going 7-34 on arc; Bulls start three seniors from LY’s 27-9 team that upset Arizona in first round of NCAA’s- they’re picked to finish at top of the MAC this year. West Virginia has three starters back from LY’s 26-11 team that lost in Sweet 16 of NCAA’s, but they lost their top two scorers from LY, Miles/Carter. WVU is thin in backcourt but are loaded up front. Mountaineers are a preseason top 20 team. Last three years, Big X teams are 2-2 vs MAC teams.

Washington was down 9 at half to Western Kentucky in its home opener but won by 18; they were 5-25 on arc, had only 8 turnovers (+8). Huskies have all five starters back from a 21-13 team that lost in 2nd round of NIT- they return 95.9% of their scoring. Auburn forced 22 turnovers (+9), made 18-38 on arc in 101-58 waltz over South Alabama in its opener- Tigers led 52-33 at half, played basically an 8-man rotation. Auburn has three starters back from a 26-8 team that lost in 2nd round of NCAA’s, but starter Purifoy is out for few more weeks.

Cal-Irvine beat Idaho 86-68 in its opener, after being down 4 at halftime; Anteaters start four juniors and a senior- they played nine guys 10+ minutes. Irvine has all five starters and top eight scorers back from an 18-17 team that lost Big West final- they’re deep team that needs to be better on offense this year. Texas A&M lost three starters from 22-13 team that made Sweet 16 LY; Aggies figure to play faster, shoot more 3’s. A&M was 8-38 on arc in their 98-83 opening win over Savannah State (Sav State was 17-54 on arc!!!) Aggies start three sophs, two seniors.

San Diego beat Weber State 83-66 in its opener, after being down 32-25 at half; Toreros have four starters back (3 double digit scorers) from LY’s 20-14 team- they also have a new head coach. USD has a solid PG and the most depth they’ve had in a while. Cal-Davis got waxed 76-42 at home by San Francisco in its opener; Aggies turned ball over 18 times, were 3-19 on arc. Davis has four starters back from a 22-11 team, but that was a bad start. Last 3+ years, WCC teams are 31-26 vs spread when playing a Big west opponent.

Yale-Cal meet in China; Yale has all five starters back from 16-15 team that finished 3rd in Ivy LY- Bulldogs have been besieged by injuries last couple years- their top five scorers are back, and they’re very well-coached. California has three starters back from an 8-24 team that was last in Pac-12. Cal is deeper, more versatile this year; they changed two assistant coaches from LY, too. Bears brought in four freshmen who should help. Long travel to China makes this game a tough one to handicap, especially with an Ivy squad favored over a Pac-12 team.

UCLA won its last three games with Long Beach State by 7-4-37 points; the teams didn’t meet LY. Bruins won last meeting 114-77. 49ers play five Pac-12 teams before Big West play starts; they’ve got four starters back from a 15-18 team, the team’s worst Big West finish (8th) in ten years. UCLA beat Fort Wayne 96-71 in its opener (48-31 at half); Bruins lost couple of frosh to injury- they still start two other frosh and two sophs. Last three years, Pac-12 teams are 25-24-1 vs spread when playing Big West teams.

Wichita State lost its home opener 71-58 to Louisiana Tech; Shockers lost four starters from LY’s 25-8 team- they also lost two assistant coaches last summer, and played seven freshmen in the Tech game- this looks like a rebuilding year. Providence beat Siena by 10 in its opener; Friars made 13-25 on arc, took only 7 foul shots- they start two freshmen, are picked to finish third in Big East. This game is being played in Annapolis, at the Naval Academy. Last three years, AAC teams are 8-12 vs spread when playing a Big East opponent.

Georgia State beat Montana 71-68 at home LY, in brickfest where teams combined to go 10-42 on arc. GSU played four starters 35:00+ in its opener, a 76-68 win over East Tennessee State, a quality win; Panthers have four starters back from LY, start two seniors, two juniors; they outscored ETSU 21-12 on foul line, made 9-24 on arc, were down 4 with 7:24 left in game. Montana has four starters back (and 6 of top 7) from LY’s 26-8 team that made NCAA’s; Griz is clear-cut choice to win the Big Sky this season.